Blog

Last month we stepped back and took a wide look at the nature and shape of the Anabaptist world of 1800. We learned that about 500 Amish had moved from their European homes to Pennsylvania. In the N … read more

Sometimes in the study of history, it becomes necessary to step back and look at the bigger picture. Our view is often very narrow, and we lose sight of the forest because we are looking at a few tr … read more

Recently we have looked at the Russian Mennonites and their settlements in Russia. Also we looked at how a small group (Kleine Gemeinde) broke away from the main group over concerns about morality, … read more

We began the journey east into Russia as Dutch and German Mennonites settled in the Ukraine under the invitation of the Russian government. Here they were granted large parcels of land, and colonie … read more

Spring as arrived and winter has most certainly left for this year. The sun is shining more often, flowers are in bloom. Chirping birds make you smile as you enjoy the sunshine from your front porch. … read more

Common words and phrases are most easily learned when immersed in a language or culture where it is used. When we can no longer escape or get by with our common language, our brain kicks into overdriv … read more

1 quart shredded potatoes, cooked2/3 cup butter2/3 cup flour¾ tsp salt¼ tsp black pepper6 cups milk1 cup sour creamonions to taste10 bacon strips, fried and crumbled5 slices Velveeta cheeseM … read more

I have recently been taking an interest in a local blacksmith shop. Also a knife maker has started up a shop in local Sugarcreek. Sugarcreek is known as the “Little Switzerland of Ohio”. Tim and Jesse … read more

I had the pleasure of meeting an elderly woman from the community a few weeks ago. She wrote down a list of old Amish words that are not used much anymore by the younger generation. She told me a few … read more

 We have been writing about how and when the Amish and Mennonites came to America and the unique challenges they faced. At the same time that these Anabaptists were coming to America, others w … read more

The Hochstetler family who was attacked by Indians while living on the frontier in Berks County, Pennsylvania.This happened early on the morning of September 20 or 21, 1757. The Indians killed Mrs. … read more

As a small boy growing up in our community, I often heard stories about the past. One of the most frequently told stories was about an incident that happened in 1757. As a boy, I supposed that the s … read more